Chapter 10

It was the next morning and tension was in the air. The entire staff of the small dating company stood huddled around the boss as she scoured Ochako's proposal for the Mr. Popularity event. Her two friends stood comforting each other as she explained to Yagi-kaichou of the venue. "I've been to this restaurant, I have many friends who have frequented the establishment as well and speak very highly of it. The place thrives solely by word of mouth." Yagi-kaichou placed the file on the desk, "So, which one of you found this venue?"

Without missing a single beat, Ochako meekly rose her hand, the others following suit and pointing at the petite woman. "That'd be me, Yagi-Kaichou."

The older of the two smiled genuinely, "Excellent," A giddy verbal expression left Ochako's lips, "I am very pleased with the location, you have impeccable taste as always, Uraraka-san." Yagi stood up from her seat and addressed the entire team, "You all did a fantastic job."

Everyone voiced their thanks in unison at their boss's praise. "It would seem that our little Uraraka-san will finally be rid of her nickname, The Queen of Backup Plans. Keep up the good work."

"Yes, Thank you, Ma'am." Everyone stood there slightly awkwardly, and it would seem that the longer everyone didn't make a move the more that the boss got annoyed.

"Well, what are you all waiting for? Get back to work. Work. Work."

Across the street, inside of the infamous divorce agency we would find Bakugo, he daintily held up a page from his file with thumb and index finger, sporting a rather large bandage on his ring finger of his left hand. Denki stood to his side making the motions of turning the page, upon hearing that knuckle head laugh, the dusty haired blonde turned to the side to see that he had his ring finger in the air, giggling at the bandage on his Employer's hand. Denki met Bakugo's cool murderous gaze and dropped his hands immediately.

"I'd hate to say it boss, but it looks like your little gold amulet turned into a hot dog." The aura emanating from Bakugo's place, a warning, 'tread lightly' Denki chuckled nervously, "What I meant to say was that with our caseload growing, what happened with Linda could easily happen again. Shouldn't we talk about what to do in case it happens again?"

He was met with silence, that irritating woman's voice echoing in his head. 'The thing is, what you need the most right now is not pity. You need to learn to love yourself. Never be with someone who's not right for you.'

"Unfortunately, it would seem that you're right, Denki. It's not enough just to keep our client's company after they've just lost something so dear. We're missing something."

"Not just something, someONE. Look at it this way, yeah?" Denki stood infront of his boss, "While the majority of the divorces are between man and woman, our clientele has been mainly women. And with our staff being mainly men and one young woman with hardly any relationship experience... I was thinking that we could hire Uraraka Ochako to consult."

Bakugo had been with Denki through his entire monologue, until he brought up that woman... He could just feel the imaginary dagger at his throat. "I-I-I mean, sh-she's Dr. Love, right? She could really phelp us understand the other side of things." Denki scooted his chair closer to Bakugo's desk, "Boss, don't look at our two companies as enemies, think of it this way, right? They succeed in getting people to marry, that means more people will get divorced in the future. "

"Enough," Bakugo quickly signed the documents and threw said file at Denki's face. "You're getting way off topic." He waved the fool out of his office.

He did as was told, holding the file behind his back and shook his head as he made his exit. "Suit yourself, Boss."

The device near Bakugo's hand came to life, a reminder plastered on the screen.

April 20: "MUST ATTEND MEET-AND-GREET."

"Where is this going?" Aoyama held a lifesized cut out of the not so mysterious guest of honor, the questionable decision of having from the neck up blacked out as if it was one of those 'guess that Pokemon' deals. Tsuyu directed him to the correct placement after several adjustments. The hustle and bustle of the venue almost let the subject at hand slip past their fingers. Ochako and Midoriya passed the others, in their own little world deciding what would be the plan for the night and if there was anything missing that they would need.

Aoyama took his place beside Tsuyu as they watched the twosome from behind. "Hey, is that him, the 4G 'oven-roasted steak'?"

Tsuyu held her hands together looking at the green haired gentleman with a dreamy look in her eyes. "yeah, that's him alright. Sweet and considerate 'oven-roasted steak'" While Tsuyu was distracted by... "so hot..." other things, Aoyama's attention had been brought to the large canvas in the room. The girl on the canvas looked familiar, but he couldn't quite figure it out.

"Let's see... soundcheck went well, we have the décor done...and looks like we have everything ready." Ochako checked the last box on her list and sighed in relief, turning to her companion on her right she smiled, "I just wanted to thank you again for today. Your boss is being awfully generous to lend us the space, even though it's so last minute. He didn't even charge us! Thank you so much."

She and Midoriya shared a smile and a small chuckle, "Don't mention it. You're a very well known company, and it's our pleasure to host your event in our establishment." His smile brightened just a bit more, "In addition to promoting the restaurant, I believe this is also a mutually beneficial collaboration."

"I guess so"

"So don't thank me."

"Allow me to take you out to dinner as thanks one of these days, Midoriya-san"

"It's fine, don't worry about it."

"Hey!" Tsu and Aoyama came up behind Ochako introducing themselves once again to the handsome young man. He bowed to them before turning his attention back to Ochako.

"Thank you for your hard work and if you'll excuse me, I should get back to the restaurant."

Everyone was all smiles, until Midoriya was out of sight, both of her friends pulled her into the establishment showing her the canvas that Aoyama had been previously studying. "What the heck is your picture doing here?" The photo was blurred, the girl had looked to the distance and had her hair up in a messy bun, warm colors of yellow, red and orange filling in the details. Tsuyu was enlightened as she brought Ochako closer to the canvas, grabbing the girl's hair and trying to see what it would look like in the same hair style.

"That's crazy, that has to be you, Ochako-chan. He most definitely has to be into you if he's got your picture in here."

Ochako waved them off, doing the same to Tsuyu "You could easily be the girl in the picture too." She caught a glimpse of her watch, was it that late already, pressing a hand against her coworkers's backs, she guided them back to the workspace. "We're not even finished fixing up the venue and the guests will be here any minute."

Ochako turned her head to the restaurant's entrance, a worried expression on her face.

Upon opening the door, to his home and turning on the light, Bakugo was assaulted by a confetti popper, Three figures stood before him Tokoyami with a cake, Hagakure with a bottle of champagne, and Denki with a flamboyant pointy party hat on top of his head, four differently colored boas around his neck and the offending popper in his hands. Denki placed the popper onto the coffee table, fitting the flabbergasted Bakugo with a party hat of his own and transferring the boas onto his his neck. "Surprise, Boss! Happy Birthday! How cute." Denki pinched his boss's cheek.

Sully joined the bunch on the couch, getting her fair share of attention as well. "How the fuck, did you guys get into my house?"

"Boss, have you forgotten?" Denki placed a party horn into his boss's mouth, "Your birthday is a national holiday for us. It's pretty much the same as last year, except we have an extra person this year."

Hagakure fixed her glasses, a menacing look in her eyes. "Who you calling an extra? As a subordinate, the boss's birthday should be remembered and celebrated, is that so wrong?" She handed a small, but expensive looking box to Bakugo. "Happy Birthday."

"A-Ah... yeah, thanks." Bakugo took the gift into his hands, placing it right above his cellphone. "You guys really didn't have to do this,even I forgot today was my birthday. It's too much trouble."

Pop. Tokoyami filled four glasses with champagne, "It's no trouble at all, Boss."

"Yeah! I waited so long to have an excuse to get wasted!" Denki cried out in excitement as he handed Bakugo a flute. Bakugo placed his gift onto the coffee table and joined in.

"One, two three Happ-!" The celebration was cut short, by Tokoyami, he and the others brought their glasses down, The eagle eyed friend pointing out his friend's outfit. "That's a really expensive suit, where are you running off to dressed like that?"

"Yeah, Boss! Did you get all dolled up just to welcome us to your home?"

"Don't be ridiculous." of course as this exchange happened Bakugo would still be fitted in his boa's and matching pointy hat. "I mean... later." He cleared his throat "I made plans with a friend."

"Yeah, right. You're always sulking by yourself on your Birthday." Denki's eyes gleamed, "Have you planned something special this year? Tell us."

Intriguing, how very intriguing. Everyone closed in on the man of the hour their curiosity getting the best of them.

Flustered, he did a double take. "Wer-Weren't you all wishing me a happy birthday? Wish me a happy birthday then, huh? To our health and happiness" He drained his glass in the blink of an eye. "Is there cake, candles? Gifts? Let's just do everything at once."

The others stood stunned at the display, before Denki knocked them on their backs and they all drained their glasses in suit. "Yes, let's all make ourselves welcome. Today is the Boss's Birthday, Let's have fun." Bakugo slipped a peek at his watch, cursing under his breath. "We have all night to drink! Yeah!"

'All night?' His mouth was dry, Hagakure took the moment to fill his glass and meet it with hers, Bakugo lifted the champagne uttering Kampai and took a sip. He had to find a way out.

Murphy's Law #6:

If everything seems to be going well,

there must be something wrong.

"Why isn't he picking up?" Ochako bit her nail as her fourth call had come up fruitless. The female members were beginning to become restless, quite a few of them joining in on a conversation and glaring at the employees for wasting their time.

"Hey, is he coming or not?" a particularly disgruntled patron stood, Aoyama quickly letting her know that he would most definitely be there for the event it was just unfortunate that he would be just a little late.

Tsuyu walked up from behind, placing a hand on Ochako's shoulders. ""If you can't get a hold of him these girls are going to eat us alive, not to mention what the boss will do when she finds out."

It must've been about a dozen unsuccessful tries, the reality of the situation was truly sinking in. This event was a disaster. "This is it, that frozen pork chop is gonna be the death of us. When Yagi-Kaichou is finished with us, there won't be a trace left." As if that wasn't bad enough, complete and utter dread filled all three of them when her phone illuminated,

"Yagi-Kaichou."

"The Boss?"

"Yes, Boss?" Silence. A disappointed sigh.

"What are you doing currently? Why am I hearing that the event hasn't even started? What the heck is going on?"

"Well, see we hit a slight hiccup."

"A hiccup?"

"Y-Yes, and we are working quickly so that we can begin soon."

"Start. The. Event... Now. Get back to work. Work. Work."

Ochako bowed deeply while on the phone, "Y-yes, Ma'am. Immediately!"

"Did you hear that? She said it three times." The color leaving from their faces.

"Yes. 'Cause it's important." Tsuyu was close to tears. "We're done for."

Aoyama leaned against the table, crestfallen."Where is he?"

"Guys... I think I'm gonna have to cancel."

"What?"

"We can't."

Ochako placed her phone onto the table and wrung her hands. She stood at the front of the room addressing the crowd of feral women. "Ladies, forgive us for keeping you waiting, unfortunately due to certain circumstances, Mr. Popular was unable to attend."

"What is the meaning of this?"

"After waiting such a long time?" The crowd was not please with this news, Ochako swallowed but stood her ground.

"Sorry", she spoke softly at first, but much louder she repeated the phrase, bowing apologetically to their members. "I am truly, very sorry." 'I should have known...'

A warm pair of hands were placed on her shoulders, upon looking up, Ochako was met with Midoriya's gaze and unfaltering smile. He had been quietly spectating, taking in the events and begun to address the crowd. "Ladies, the reason why Mr. Popular can't be on time today is because we have come up with a special activity for you all. We are offering you an opportunity to make your own special gift."

'What?' Ochako stared at him with gaping eyes, Midoriya simply smiling to her, nodding and leading her off to the side while he took the reigns. Two employee's from the kitchen came forward with roll away carts, one with everything needed for the task at hand and the first left infront of Midoriya. His setting was prepared for him, a cutting board, knives, tealight candle, heart mold, and a half pound bar of chocolate

"Why does chocolate come to mind when people think of love?" He flashed his teeth naturally calming down the gang of women as they all sat and listened to his lecture. "Well, that would be because whenever we eat chocolate it releases a chemical in our brains that makes us think that we're in love. So today, we will be making our own chocolates, so that you can each be able to show Mr. Popular how you feel about him."

His leg bounced incessantly, turning to see that his friends and coworkers setting up the cake, Bakugo decided to make a break for it. Upon turning around they would see the party supplies thrown on the couch, their boss's phone ringing once again. Tokoyami picked it up, his eyes widening.

'Dr. Loser (52) missed calls'

"Dr. Loser? What kind of a name is that?"

"Think he owes them money?"

Outside of his home, Bakugo briskly walked over to his vehicle turning it on, he glanced at the street, 'You've got to be fucking kidding me.' infront of his driveway was a car,

'If you need the car moved, feel free

to call: (XXX) – XXX- 1897'

He reached into the breast pocket of his blazer to feel...nothing. Well, shit... that's no problem, he reached for his back pocket. Bakugo could easily get a cab... had he remembered his wallet.

"Ugh.. My wallet too?" He was about to walk back into his home and stopped in his tracks... no, if he went back inside then there was too many questions as well as no way for him to leave. Loosening his tie, Bakugo immediately booked it down the street, he still had a little time and hopefully he would make it. No, he had to make it.

Bakugo had no idea how long he had been running, but he could tell that he was close. He leaned over resting his hand on his knees taking in deep breaths of fresh air. He stood straight, unbuttoning both his blazer as well as the top two buttons of his collar, moving again and sprinting down the new street.

Ochako watched from the sidelines as Midoriya rolled up his sleeves and instructed the audience, now turned cooking class, how to chop their bars and place them in the small pot just above the tea light that warmed and melted their chocolates. "As you all add your chocolate to the pot do not forget to stir in the all important ingredient." He placed a hand over his heart, his warm loving smile never faltering. "The love that you are sending to Mr. Popular."

While he had demonstrated to the crowd, the employee's worked hard and set up the workspace for the guests, The women crowded around, and did as instructed, Midoriya walking around the room giving them all little tips and pointers as they went through the activity. Tsuyu, and Ochako looked in awe while Aoyama watched on in silence.

"He's really good. He's holding the floor all on his own."

Ochako beamed, "All eyes are on him."

Midoriya held up a little 3 inch yellow box, filled to the brim with little bite sized chocolate hearts. "These are the chocolates you all have been working for. We will give you a beautiful box and you can place your hard work inside." The restaurant employees handed out about 20 boxes to the crowd.

"Hey, Uraraka-san, the chocolate segment is almost done, how much longer do you believe Frozen Porkchop is going to keep us waiting?"

"Exactly, is he trying to get us hacked to pieces and buried alive?"

"I have no clue where he is, I think I might really have to cancel the event. I know you guys don't want to, but I'm gonna call Yagi-kaichou and break the news." Ochako sighed, bringing the device up to her ear, walking closer to the entrance where the reception was better and the room much more quiet. She was greeted by a blur of blonde and maroon, Their eyes met and it was none other than Bakugo Katsuki, drenched in sweat panting a bit heavily.

"Uraraka Ochako" he gasped.

"What took you so long?" He waved away her question

"That's for another time, is the event over?" Ochako shook her head, still genuinely surprised that he was physically there to begin with. Tsuyu began to lead the way to the venue. He stood, stoic, doing his best to fumble his way to closing the buttons on his collar. He took in a shaky breath and began to remove the bandage holding his broken finger. He grunted and took slow breaths.

Tsuyu walked over to Midoriya placing a hand on his arm and showing him a way off the spotlight. Bakugo stood there mentally preparing himself for the crowd, turned his head at the sight of dark green to see Midoriya walk past him and take his spot beside Ochako. He couldn't explain it, but it left a bad taste in Bakugo's mouth to see those two exchange a look and smile. He glared out of the corner of his eye, fixing his blazer and buttoning it back closed.

"Are you ready to give your gifts to Mr. Popular? Here he comes, Mr. Bakugo Katsuki!"

He held his hands behind his back taking center stage in the room, the faintest of smiles firmly set on his features. "Thank you all for being willing to wait for me. I'm incredibly sorry to keep you. Seeing as how I am a man of my word..." Bakugo turned his head and locked gazes with Ochako, "I intend to keep my promise." Ochako smiled, he turned his attention back to the task at hand. "I hope you all have a wonderful and safe evening. It's good to meet you, Thank you." His words were met with roaring applause, Ochako watched him from the side, while little did she know, Midoriya watched her watching the other guy.

Finally, that headache was over, Bakugo walked around the room and found himself inspecting a particularly popular large piece of art on the wall. Ochako joined him, "These are for you." brandishing a large box of handmade chocolates in her arms. He raised an eyebrow, picking up the box by the corner with only three fingers. "Did you meet anyone you liked today?"

He scoffed, "You really think I'm here to find a girlfriend?"

"Well, why else would you come?"

He turned his eyes to the opposite side of where she was standing, "I don't like owing anything to anyone. I don't want to owe you for the incident with Linda. Besides," He dangled the box in front of both their faces, "Why would you give me something that only girls like?"

"Wha? Hey! Don't be mean. Where do you think the chocolate came from?" Her brows knit together in frustration. "It's your fault for being late. The members made it by hand so you have to accept it, no matter what."

Tokoyami cut himself the two others a nice sized slice of cake. Denki walked in with another full bottle a party blower in his mouth. "What a shame, the birthday boy is gone."

"Don't worry," Tokoyami placed Denki's slice infront of him, Hagakure giving him a fork. "We'll celebrate it for him."

"Katsuki, why didn't you close the door?" An older gentle man walked into the home, he wore a crème colored blazer, brown pants, and a white button up. He had brown spikey hair, glasses and a kind expression.

"Hello, Bakugo-san." Hagakure announced.

Tokoyami stood from his seat and bowed, "Bakugo -san..."

"How come it's just you three? Where's my son?"

Hope you enjoyed the latest installment, catch you all on the next one.